My go to pack!
G4-20 Ultralight 42 Backpack
G4-20 Ultralight 42 Backpack
Regular price
$205.00
Regular price
Sale price
$205.00
Unit price
per
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description
Description
Ā
We took what made the original āG4ā so popular and roped in a gang of new fabrics and materials to create a frameless, do-it-all companion for thru-hikers and weekend warriors.
The G4-20 is made for ease on trail. Each buckle, zipper, and cord has been scrutinized for lightweight function. Get ready to meet a simple, cost-effective pack designed to lighten your load.
Ā
Ā
Couldn't load pickup availability
G4-20 Ultralight 42 Backpack
Titanium Grey / S
New Features
-
Recycled Robic Nylon
-
Refined Hardware
-
New Colorways
Product Details
Gear Notes
Backpack Sizing Guide
Sizing & Fit
Torso length:
Start at the C7 vertebra at the base of your neck. The best way to find this is to bend your neck and feel the first bump along the base of your neck. This bump is where you will want to start your measurement.Ā
Next, you'll want to find the midpoint between your iliac crest. To find your iliac crest, cup your hipbones on both sides and find the center point on your spine. This midpoint is where your thumbs should be pointing.Ā
Finally, you'll need help measuring from the C7 vertebra to your iliac crest. From there, you'll have your torso measurement.Ā
If you're in between sizes, you will want toĀ
Ā Ā + Size down for more of a shoulder wrap and higher hipbeltĀ
Ā Ā + Size up for a lower hipbelt fit
Hip Measurement:Ā
You will want to find your iliac crest again by cupping your hipbones on both sides. Then, wrap a soft measuring tape or string around the top of your iliac crest. This will tell you your hip measurement.Ā
Small:
Torso - 11.5" - 15.5"
Hip - 25" - 35"Ā
Medium:
Torso - 15.5" - 19.5"Ā
Hip - Ā 30" - 42"Ā
Large:
Torso - 19.5" - 23.5"
Hip - 32" - 50"
Features
Specs
Small (Average)
Pack Body 19.8 oz / 561 g
Sitlight Pad 2.3 oz / 65 g
Total 22.1 oz / 627 g
Length 19.5ā (to extension collar seam)
Width 11.4ā
Depth 4.7ā
Medium (Average)
Pack Body 21.5 oz / 610 g
Sitlight Pad 3.3 oz / 94 g
Total 24.8 oz / 703 g
Length 23.6ā (to extension collar seam)
Width 11.4ā
Depth 4.7ā
Large (Average)
Pack Body 22.2 oz / 629 g
Sitlight Pad 3.6 oz / 102 g
Total 25.8 oz / 731 g
Length 25.6ā (to extension collar seam)
Width 11.4ā
Depth 4.7ā
Capacity
Total 42 L
Main Pack Body to Bottom of Extension Collar 30 L
Mesh and Side Pockets 12 L
Max Carry Capacity 30 lbs
For Comfort 25 lbs
**The volume capacity specs are specific to a medium size pack. Capacity will vary slightly between sizes
Materials
Reviews
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 163 reviews.
The best!
An absolutely incredible pack. Light enough to be my overnight pack, but flexible enough and with enough volume (I love the rolltop for this) and external expandability that I could easily take this on a much longer trek. They've updated the design somewhat since some of the reviews on Youtube, specifically Taylor Passofaro's video, including two full hip belt pockets (old model had one pocket and one stretchy mesh pocket) and more attachment loops that extend farther down along the sides of the pack, allowing you to adjust the placement of the included bungie cord if you want. This is my first frameless pack, so I packed carefully to make sure nothing stuck into my back, and it was supremely comfortable. I forgot I was wearing it at times, even with ~20+ lbs in the pack. And the removable cushion!!! Holy cow, what a game changer. Easy to pop out and pop back in on breaks or for lunch, and it saves you needing to pack any sort of ground protection or camp chair for when you get to camp. 10/10!
Like the way it carries for the weight I tend to haul. Iām 6ā and have a broad chest and shoulders. 12-14 lbs and below seems to be the sweet spot for me where I forget Iām wearing it. The rear mesh pocket is a great feature. I have stuffed an entire Thermarest Z-Lite in there!
Super comfortable, holds everything I need. This was a one nighter just the basics.
Love it! First outing with it this 3 day weekend. Still learning the nooks and crannies it has and where to store things. Sure which I had my Gossamer when I hiked from Georgia to Maine!
This is a great lightweight backpack. The sit pad on the back provides support. The pockets are all well thought out. There are trekking pole loops on the bottom near the ice axe. It is a larger bag than you think. Can fit a counter assault bear canister inside. The hip belt pockets are large and easy to access. Looking forward to making miles with this lightweight, yet highly functional piece of gear! Thank you Gossamer for the grant program and gifting one of these gems!! Looking very forward to crushing miles with the G4-20!!
I want to 5/5 this pack but there are a couple of things that keep it at a 4/5 mostly the narrowness of the bag, it's really hard to put a lot in here. I would like the same volume but shaped differently. The 4.7 inches is tough to work with. I also don't like that the hip belt isn't replaceable like other packs. This rendered it useless once I lost weight. So now I have a beautiful bag in my closet that I can't use. :( It is a great size, love the color I have, it has great features, great weight, I like the rolltop style on this bag as well. 8/10.
Such a great bag! I thought the frameless nature would make it uncomfortable, but itās probably the most comfortable bag Iāve used!
Love it!! Lightweight but high quality!
Gossamer Gear G4-20 V2. A No-Compromise Ultralight Backpack for Serious Hikers Hiking used to be all about exploring for me, but it also meant dealing with a heavy backpack and sore shoulders. As I started getting more serious about spending time in the mountains, I began to realize something wasnāt right. Why was I carrying so much stuff? And why was my backpack always so heavy? Thatās when I started looking into lighter alternatives. First, I swapped out my sleeping bag. Then I changed my shelter. Eventually, it was time to find a new backpack. I chose Gossamer Gear, and Iāve never looked back. āø» First Impressions and Size At first glance, the G40 looks pretty unassuming. But once you pick it up, two things become immediately clear: itās incredibly light and surprisingly spacious. I use the size L, as Iām nearly two meters tall, and the pack easily fits everything I need for a multi-day hike. During a 10-day test trip, I carried five daysā worth of food and still had room to spare before restocking. The rolltop closure allows you to adjust the volume depending on what youāre carrying. One important thing to note is that the backpack doesnāt have a frame, so you need to plan carefully how much water or supplies youāll take. If youāre expecting a full day of hiking with heavy water loads, that could be a limiting factor. āø» Smart Pockets and Thoughtful Features The side pockets are really well designed. One is smaller and perfect for something like a Nalgene bottle, which you can reach even while walking. The other one is taller and can easily hold a tarp or even two bottles at once. My absolute favorite is the front mesh pocket. Itās elastic, adapts to whatever you put inside, and when empty, it keeps the pack looking compact and neat. Nothing sticks out or flops around. One detail that deserves a special mention is the removable back pad. You can take it out and use it as a seat or as a ground mat at your campsite. Itās a clever, simple, and very functional feature. You can also attach a folding sleeping pad to the top of the pack. I recommend planning ahead and keeping things youāll need during the day, like food or a jacket, in the outer pockets for quick access. The side compression cords help reduce the packās volume and can also be used to secure wet items while they dry. āø» Carry Comfort The back system is minimal. Thereās no internal frame, just a foam pad. At first I was worried that this would be a dealbreaker, but it turns out you just need to pack smart. The moment you feel something like an Aeropress digging into your back, you learn your lesson and pack more carefully next time. The shoulder straps are comfortably wide and stay in place without digging in or twisting. The only thing I missed was the option to carry water on the straps themselves. The hip belt is spacious and easy to access, with enough room for anything you want to keep close at hand. āø» Durability and Materials The material used for the backpack is soft and quiet, which I really appreciate. It doesnāt rustle as you move. However, it isnāt waterproof, so youāll need to protect your gear inside. I learned that the hard way when I forgot to pack my pillow in a dry bag and ended up soaking it with sweat after a hot day on the trail. āø» Design and Final Thoughts One last thing I have to mention is the design. Itās absolutely beautiful. The Tropical Mist colorway looks phenomenal and adds a lot of personality to the pack without being flashy. āø» In summary, the Gossamer Gear G4-20 v2 is a brilliant choice for anyone who wants to lighten their load without sacrificing function or style. Itās comfortable, well thought-out, and full of clever details. It teaches you to pack smarter and brings back the joy of simple, intentional hiking.
comfortable! light! love the sizing as i am tall!
its cold where I live, looking forward to summer when I can use the pack. The pack appears to be well made and it is light. Just what I wanted!
I used this pack this summer on the AT and the CT and loved it. The AT chewed it up a bit but that can be expected on that trail. The pack rides comfortably even with 4-5 days of food. The mesh pocket on the outside is the best feature ever, I shoved anything and everything into that pouch. I had slight durability issues but nothing that made the pack unusable. Like I said, the AT can chew through gear so I am more than happy with how this pack held up. One complaint I heard from others on trail that moved them away from this pack is the different sized water bottle pockets. I actually enjoyed that aspect of this pack. The taller pocket was used to secure higher value items (tent poles) and the shorter pocket was used for items I would regularly grab while walking through the day (water bottle, filter, etc.). All in all, I love this pack.
I love it. It's great and works in Europe too! It's probably important to avoid overloading it (i.e. no more than ~6kg) and making sure all your gear is stored in a waterproof pack liner. If you are happy with that, it's a beautiful and functional thing to have.
I love it. Perfect.
The most comfortable and efficient back pack I have used in years!
Outstanding backpack. Fits well, I am at the lower end of the large and fits much better than the higher end of a medium. A must buy !
Love this pack super comfortable
ė°±ķØķ¹ģ ģµģ ķ ėģ“ģė¤ģ
The bag is dope y'all. It busts moves like a gangsta but keeps it real in the wild. I dig the cush and fly on the ounces. Some sweeeeet is all.
I love the deep side pockets for water or food or anything else that you need on the go.
Works 10/06/23 Researched all UL options. For months. Am 5ā6ā female 118 lbs.obtained S. Light and like . Gripes: High hip belt. Belt not Iliac crestā¦ I am short waisted, So when i snugged down straps, hip pockets unusable. Hard to access Smartwater bottles. No load lifters Otherwise: itās a good investment and i like it. Probably not for short waisted individuals.
Like it, but I've had this pack for six months and have used it on several long weekend trips. I have enjoyed this pack: it rides well and I like the design; all the positives of other reviews are true. I just returned from ten days in the Winds and the pack did not fare well. It was a comfortable carry, but there are two 1/2 inch tears in the more robust black fabric and a one inch hole in the bottom. I take care of my gear in the field; heck I still use my 1970s external frame pack every so often for fun. Lightweight is GGs trademark, but I would sacrifice a few ounces for more robust fabrics. I certainly appreciate lightweight gear, but it is worthless if it can't standup under normal use.
Potential to be a good pack but has some flaws... I used the pack for a 12-day Alps hut trek. My gear (including water) was 25-28 lb, which is probably the upper limit for a frameless pack. It would have performed fine if the hip belt could actually be made to ride on the hips. For me (average athletic woman at 5'7", 120 lb, not long-waisted) despite trying all means of strap adjustment (there isn't a torso length adjustment option), the "hip" belt was high, and if I snugged it up, it would dig into my abdomen rather than sitting the load on the hips ā so the entire weight was on my shoulders. Luckily these are well padded. The other glaring flaw is lack of shoulder strap pockets, which the FastKumo has. Why the G4-20 lacks them is a mystery and a shame. The hip belt pockets are large, but don't take the place of handy strap pockets for phone, chapstick, tissues, electrolyte tabs etc. See separate review for the additional strap pocket which I also bought but simply doesn't replace built-in quality pockets. I wish the main compartment had a separate water reservoir partition, it does have a hydration tube port. If packed tightly like mine, the other gear holds the bladder somewhat in place, but not well; and if there was a leak all your gear would be wet. The best part of the pack is the large and very stretchable elastic pouch outside the main packing compartment. Based on measurements I ordered a Medium; but it was too large and I couldn't snug it up even pulling the straps as tight as they go. It is nicely padded though.
Cozy and soft The feel of the material is super buttery soft. Sit pad included!? You canāt beat that! I think the pack is way bigger in person so itās a great pack for a week or two trip. I bought the small, the hip belt could be smaller maybe making an XS would work better for the skinnier folks but I make it work. 10/10 so far
Good Pack Last minute purchase for Virginia AT section hike. Did not carry heavy load (25 lbs) well but most likely age related (65). My first attempt at a UL frameless pack. Great hip belt with good pockets to carry oft -needed essentials. I added the GG shoulder pouch which held energy drink packets and iphone 13 easily. Heavy rain soaked thru pack (i did not have a cover), probably around seams. Did notice very wet bottom inside. Pack material retains water which is no surprise. Base weight was 10-12 lbs which was weightless in this pack. Overall a good pack.
Almost no item should get 5 stars. I'm pretty happy with the pack. I feel at 6'3" the large pack is at its limit when it's loaded (~20lbs). Of course, your torso may be different. I probably with the belt pockets were slightly larger, but they are not too bad. I found once I loaded the pack and closed everything down the top pocket was not very useful (couldn't put much in it at that point. The side pockets I found to be pretty ideal. I put the tent on one side and water on the other side. Don't put two liters there though as you'll be unbalanced and put more stress on your right shoulder. The sit/back pad is great. So damn convenient to take out on a break, or to use in camp. The back mesh pocket is great also. Anything that I didn't mind getting wet went in that pocket. I don't use a pack cover. I went with two trash compactor bags (one being used as a spare). I hiked the Colorado Trail (~480 miles) with it so I feel I have enough miles with it to give it a reasonable review. One thing I suggest is after you get everything to fit cut the waist straps shorter (but not too short). It won't save much weight, but it helps. FYI I rarely give out 5 star reviews. People too easily give out 5 stars and then ratings become kind of meaningless. I would buy this pack again.
I am a believer! This was my pack for the PCT and I know that I made the right choice. It is tough and durable as well as comfortable. Though it is frameless I never found that to be a problem at all, with one exception = When I added a bear canister in the Sierra I made the mistake of putting the can inside the pack bc it fit so I figured it was the way to go. Please learn from my mistake, just because the can fits in there does not mean you should do this. What happens is that the pack now loses the flexibility against your back and pushes against you on the uphill ascents. After a while the pain got so bad I would have to stop frequently. STRAP IT TO THE TOP and you will be fine! I found the pack to have so much volume when needed and it just rode so comfortably. The pack was great even with the heaviest loads. I love the top pocket where I kept things I needed to get quickly without digging through my pack like my headlamp. I replaced the sit pad it came with, with a 4 panels (folded in half) of a Therma-Rest Z-pad which I used as a sit pad but also kept under my shoulders to my hip when sleeping. This served well as added comfort under my blow up air mattress especially when it would at times deflate. Though a more popular option is to use the ever elusive 1/8" foam pad. I think the G4-20 may be the best balance of price, weight and comfort out there. I highly recommend giving it a try for any thru hike. Happy Trails, -"Smooth"
A fantastic pack This pack carries like a dream for me. As long as you pack it well and size it right (torso sizing recommendations vary in the industry-I think GG has it right), it performs perfectly. I love the large pocket on the side and the integrated sitpad. I do wish I could've sized down the hipbelt but it worked when fully loaded so I can't complain. Contrary to a lot of folks, I don't love the huge super stretchy pocket in the back; I'd prefer something tighter and cleaner. I try not to use it for anything bulky because it protrudes so much. But that's just an aesthetic opinion. You just can't beat this pack for the price if you have your kit dialed down.
Super Excited Waiting to put miles on it this spring/summer
Better than I hoped! I am planning a through-hike of the Colorado Trail and this was the last big piece of gear I needed... I'm super excited to really put the miles on it this summer. First impressions: light, looks well made, fits amazing, holds all my gear!
Stoked! This pack is perfect! It was perfect for the Hayduke Route and Pacific Northwest Trail last year! Itās comfortable and held a lot of weight well. It only got one tear when I tried to squeeze through a super narrow slot canyon which is impressive considering the nature of these two trail and the amount of bush whacking. Thanks for such an amazing pack! I still rock my One tent from 2009 which Iāve slept in over 300 times on thru hikes. Thanks!
A bag to rule them all š Yeno I knew I chose well when I committed to buying this bag but I just wasnāt prepared to love it as much as I do. I now want all the GG packs and have to remind myself Iām minimalist and I only need this one which I do. The pack is light well build and really versatile, I use it for 5day treks into abyss as well as my now backpacking bag round Australia. Holds weight outstandingly The pockets are well placed I can load and unload water I and out the side pockets without taking the pack off, to the major relief of my gf who now feels like less of a carer. The pack due to its sit pad shapes itself perfectly to my back. I was worried sweat would be a problem but nope, my back is happy The cost was super affordable And the colour is sublime, Iād bough packs from 2 other outstanding pack makers prior to this and they where great, they just werenāt GG great. Customer for life, Iāve found my home when it comes to packs 10/10 I will love this bag till it can be carried no longer.
SO LIGHT Weighs almost nothing, and is comfortable, even without the frame! Love the removable back pad that doubles as a seat pad
Went through 3 packs in 2 years to find this one! I went through the exos, rei flash 55, hmg junction, and now this. This backpack exceeded my expectations. Itās the perfect size for me and my gear - I can reach the water bottle pocket for the first time - the little pocket for my wallet or little items is what the hmg was missing. The bags padding for the hip belt and shoulder straps are thick and comfortable vs the hmg. 10/10 and donāt see myself trying another one for years to come.
Always happy buying was super easy, it got to me quickly, is gorgeous...and I finally got it out into the back country. Two trips to the Sierras. Everything was great. It's my first frameless. I set out for 4 or 5 days at about 22lbs all in. Everything carried very well, zero probs with the pack. As a frameless, I did notice it on my shoulders. had the first mark from a pack ever, but it was really not a concern at all. Better than anything - the price point for the quality is very hard to beat. I sized down from the trusty Mariposa. It's not an easy switch....if I had one of the gorilla's or mariposa's in the newer badass colors, I may have never switched. These are all great packs.
Great until it wasnāt :( Recently used this pack on the Colorado trail, averaging 22-25 miles a day. At first, it was awesome. A light pack that fit everything I needed and had great pockets. Unfortunatley, around day 10 I started to have extreme shoulder pain that only worsened through the trip. I did everything I could to rebalance weight, adjust it to sit differently, and drop additional weight (base of 12 lbs), to no avail. Wanted to love this pack but unfortunately itās not for me. Heard similar comments from other women on trail, but it seems to be a longer carry issue - great for short trips Iām sure!
Short pack trip After all of the reviews and comments, purchased a medium GG 4-20. I packed it up and spend an awesome weekend on a short pack trip. In Colorado. The pack is everything that I wanted and needed. I was impressed with how the pack, with minor adjustments, fit perfectly and is a very quiet comfortable pack. My tent fits in the left outside pocket, rain gear in the back, water bottles in the right side and phone and snacks in the hip belt pockets. Everything else fit in the main compartment with room to spare. It weighed 26 pounds loaded. I added a Mt Mike shoulder strap bottle holder for convenience. Itās a great pack.
Just what I was looking for I made several hikes with this backpack. I really like removable molded cushy sitpad - it saved me several times. Front pocket is very capacious - last time I put in sleeping pad, rain jacket, rain cover and snacks I didn't find any disadvantages